Support our criminal duty solicitors campaign

The fragility of the criminal legal aid market is underscored by the looming crisis in the number of criminal duty solicitors across vast areas of England and Wales. In 5 to 10 years’ time there will not be enough criminal defence solicitors in several regions, leaving many people in need of legal advice unable to access justice.

LASPO Review

The Law Society is providing evidence and information to the LASPO review about how the changes introduced by LASPO are impacting on our members and on access to justice.

Please let us know if your own situation or your clients have been affected. We are particularly interested in impacts arising from the changes brought in by LASPO, but also any evidence of an increase in unrepresented defendants.

Our judicial review challenge over cuts to criminal legal aid

Our judicial review to challenge the government’s decision to implement changes to the Litigators Graduated Fee Scheme (LGFS) will be heard by the High Court on 17 and 18 July. This arbitrary cut - which came on 24 October - will do little, if anything, to drive down the legal aid bill, but could have a very detrimental impact on justice.